HappyHolidays

Slow It Down Sunday takes on new meaning with the ice hitting the East coast this weekend, but where do you see the ice coat the trees like this? It all happens because of the proximity to the moisture being thrust into the air from the Mighty Falls. Niagara Falls State Park is just breathtaking in Winter, a place where it looks like Santa should be sleigh-riding in at any moment.

Niagara Falls in ice

It truly is a winter wonderland.

I know many throw around that term freely, but seriously, this is a place where the term is defined. I would love to have seen it before structures were built. It is considered the natural side of the Falls because there are places to get really close.

Ice encased Viburnum

This ice is not like the ice storm hitting the East coast this weekend. I have icy trees and feeders in my garden now, though it is not as pretty like shown at the Falls. There is a big difference in how the ice forms. It is also why you see it on a bright, sunny day.

The ice at the Falls is not created by rain falling, but constant fine mist in the air, making a thick white coat of ice over a long period of time. Only warming temperatures will remove this ice, so a bright blue sky enhances the scene over a dreary, rainy day.

I’d be remiss in not mentioning how detrimental ice is in the landscape though. A post I did last year shows the damage that can be caused. Right now, Ice is Both Beauty and the Beast is flying high in views. The shots were also taken at the Falls.

Niagara Falls in ice

As long as temperatures remain below freezing, the scene holds in winter. Snow is on the ground, but that does not stop the ice from lighting up the scene. If only ice develops, it coats every blade of grass.

Grass encased in ice

Don’t believe me? Look a little closer.

Grass encased in ice

How often do you see this?

Niagara Falls in ice

Each tree makes its own artistic scene with branches touching the ground or reaching high to the sky.

Niagara Falls in ice

Bits of color come alive in the world of white ice.

Wildlife puts on a show against the backdrop of blue sky and trees laden with fruit.

Niagara Falls in ice

Conifers were made for the snow, but is shown in ice above. The green contrasts with the red tinged bark.

Niagara Falls in ice

And how about the Falls? Well there is restricted access and with current construction, these next areas cannot be visited. So here is the American Falls in 2011.

Niagara Falls in ice

Niagara Falls in ice

Is this not an amazing feat of nature? See why the little birds hide in the brush?

I prefer the natural American side of the Falls.

Don’t miss the post on wild birds at the Falls. A trip into the woods is really productive. I tell you how I lure the birds to my camera. It is not how you think either, but boy does it bring them in numbers for some really pretty photos.

Not many visitors come at this time of year and it is like having the park to myself. Well, just me and the birds.

Niagara Falls in ice

I always try to photograph people when I do see them since not many brave the cold to take a stroll.

This is the road taken to exit the park. I usually walk here, but in the snow and ice, I drive.

Thank you for joining me on a beautiful day at the park. Happy Holidays and I will see those commenting after Christmas. Enjoy your day and keep the spirit of the holiday in your heart. Off to home I go…

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About Garden Walk Garden Talk

I love to photograph, paint, draw, design, garden, travel the world, and pass on a few tips and ideas that I learned through experience as a Master Gardener and architect. I am highly trained in my field and enjoy my work each and every day. I garden in Niagara Falls, NY in zone 6-B. Find me at: http://gardenwalkgardentalk.com

Wow, stunning photos especially of the ice dripping off the feeders and the blades of grass.oh, the airports will be backed up!The hoar frost is great too.I hope that there is not too much damage to the trees and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas..

Absolutely gorgeous pics, Donna!!! That ice, amazing!!! I believe one of our cities list a lot of trees last year due to an ice storm, so yes, beauty and the beast!!! Drive carefully and happy holidays

How beautiful! While you had an ice storm, we had unseasonably warm temperatures this weekend. It was almost 70 degrees both days! It was weird, but I must admit I enjoyed it. We spent a lot of time outside.

Your photos are wonderful. Ice does make everything look like something out of a fairytale but as you said it can do tremendous damage. We have ice on our trees now but it isn’t bad. A few years back we lost a lot of the apple trees in our orchard. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Some really beautiful photographs Donna. Absolutely amazing! It’s been an ice storm here for 2 days with two power outages today so I’m looking forward to getting out tomorrow here to record some of the incredible crystal looking ice… Merry Christmas my friend.

These are stunning! I could go on and on about each and every photo here, but I especially love the ice-encased buds on the tree limb–a little sci fi-y! And the trees are magical in that light–as if they’re casting a spell or a spell has been cast on them. What a fantastic place to go in the winter. Thank you so much for the tour!

These are beautiful photos, thank you for sharing them. I have only been in one similar circumstance years ago. It was all lovely until the thaw came and you began hearing the seemingly endless snapping of branches. I was just a child then, and not a gardener, but I still felt for the trees.

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